I am 108: A Drag Queen Historical Lip-Sync Documentary Story-Telling Show
“I am 108” is a new play by Luis Bellassai, where Juanita Bang Bang, a vibrant campy comedy Drag Queen brings to life the story of the number 108: a historical number associated with the persecution of homosexuals under the Paraguayan dictator Stroessner, turning a symbol of oppression into one of LGBTQ+ pride through a fusion of extravagant performance and meaningful storytelling.
Juanita Bang Bang, with lip-syncs and dances, takes us into the 50’s, into a little country in the middle of nowhere, into the golden age of capitalism and rock ‘n’ roll to investigate the unsolved murder of Bernardo Aranda Valdez. Strongly grounded in documentary history, Juanita embodies her giddy self, but also historical characters on a journey filled with authenticity and lived experience on what turns out to be a deeply personal confessional moment for the author: an immigrant himself who came to Canada to live his full authentic self and struggles with his relationship with his queer community back home. We hold each other in our shared pain and dare to celebrate ourselves proudly.
“I am 108” is presented by the BlackOut Arts Society
On May 8th, 19:30 At the Scotiabank Dance Centre, 677 Davie St, Vancouver, BC.
The production is helmed by local director Luciana Silvestre Fernandes, who “feels so blessed to be working again with a full latinx team of past collaborateurs that I simply adore in this piece that makes me laugh out loud and my eyes water every single rehearsal.” Writer and performer Luis Bellassai says this is his most vulnerable work to date and that this collaboration “reflects our experiences as queer immigrants and our desire to share the histories of our peoples that are untold by mainstream media. As LGBTQ+ immigrants, we often find ourselves navigating stories that are not our own and that are rarely reflective of our full experiences. As immigrants, we make the decision to change our lives without forsaking where we come from.”
This production marks the revival and tour launch for “I am 108” which was presented at the STAND Festival in 2024, after its preview performance in Halifax in 2024. “I am 108” was described by audience members as “enthralling,” “timely, thoughtful and funny.” Reviewer Amanda Campbell gave the show her highest rating and states that “This play does a really beautiful job of mixing a drag performance with a much more sobering historical lesson that helps to preserve the memories of these 108 men who were persecuted” (full review here).